Rep. Boozman Votes to Protect Second Amendment Rights of Arkansans
Rep. Boozman Votes to Protect Second Amendment Rights of Arkansans
Congressman supports effort to end reckless lawsuits that seek to put the firearms industry out of business
Washington, Oct 20 - U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today voted to put an end to reckless lawsuits that target the firearms industry and would deny Americans their Second Amendment rights.
S. 397, the "Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act," passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 283-144. Boozman, a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights, attached his name to a companion bill as a cosponsor earlier this year.
"Anti-gun groups and trial lawyers are seeking to use the court system to deny our Second Amendment rights," said Boozman. "Today, we took steps to protect that from happening."
"The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act" is bipartisan, common-sense legislation that prevents frivolous lawsuits from bankrupting the firearms industry and denying Americans their constitutionally protected right to bear arms. The legislation provides protections for those in the firearms industry from lawsuits arising out of the criminal acts of people who unlawfully use their products.
"The idea that a manufacturer or dealer is liable for the criminal actions an individual chooses to make with a product is absurd," said Boozman. "If we adopt that legal precedent, then where does it stop? Do we hold car manufacturers and dealers liable for deaths a driver causes when driving recklessly or under the influence?"
Boozman added, "In America, we still believe in individual responsibility. This bill rests upon that foundation by saying a product may not be defined as defective unless there is something wrong with the product, not the product's user"
The legislation still allows for certain lawsuits to be brought against those in the firearms industry including lawsuits for negligence and for willingly transferring a firearm or ammunition knowing that it will be used to commit a crime of violence.
"There are smart ways to reduce gun violence in our country. However, liability lawsuits are not one of them. It is simply an attempt to erode the Second Amendment rights of law abiding citizens and is a practice that needs to be ended," said Boozman.
http://www.boozman.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=35794